A new documentary that highlights different levels of poverty in Baltimore will debut to the public this Thursday, April 26 at Johns Hopkins University's Mudd Hall at 7:30 p.m. Titled "Baltimore, We Love You," the project aims to bring attention to the city's homeless population, refugees and immigrants, worker labor rights and human trafficking. With the cameras rolling, filmmakers Shannon Palmer and Mawish Raza, two students at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, passed the mic to individuals who find themselves in these challenging situations and let them speak for themselves.
"We are hoping that our interviews humanize the face of statistics that are thrown around," said Palmer. "We are not trying to shed any bad light on these issues or populations, but rather we are hoping to stimulate dialogue and discussion that can be implemented into progressive action and policy."
Fittingly, the screening will be followed by a discussion on how to address the human rights challenges facing Baltimore and beyond. "Shows like 'The Wire' have helped create a grungy image for the city, but outside of that Hollywood landscape people often forget that these trials and tribulations continue to occupy the streets," said Raza.
To learn more about the project, which is an extension of Amnesty International USA- UMBC Chapter and Roosevelt Institute's Campus Network, visit the "Baltimore, We Love You" blog or preview the chapter on homelessness on Vimeo.
MORE: April 2012 Events
Image: Film still from "Baltimore, We Love You."
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